Landscape Tips

Here in Albuquerque, we use 40% of our drinking water on our landscapes. Unfortunately, most of that water is wasted due to inefficient irrigation systems. Below are some tips to help us be more Water Smart.

Below are some ways you can save water in your landscape today.

Use a Commercial Car Wash

They’re more efficient than watering by hand, and some of them recycle their water.

Don't water When it Rains

An automatic rain sensor can shut down your sprinkler system for you.

Rebates are Available

Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, and faucets

All leaks cause water to be wasted. Repair or replace any equipment leaking water.

Recycle your pool water

Use your pool water to irrigate your lawn, plants, trees, and shrubs. Once you have recycled as much water as possible, drain pool water into the sanitary sewer clean-out—NOT into the street.

Spot Water

Drier areas require more water than areas where water settles. If necessary, water dry areas by hand.

Don’t water the pavement

Position sprinklers so that water lands on the lawn or garden, not in areas where it is not needed. Also avoid watering when it is windy. Wind causes water to evaporate quickly and blows water onto areas where it is not needed. Remember, if it doesn’t grow, don’t water it!

Water without waste

Interrupt watering when puddles or runoff occur. This allows the water to penetrate into the soil before resuming irrigation.

Cover your swimming pool

Covering a swimming pool will help reduce evaporation. An average sized pool can use about 1,000 gallons of water per month if left uncovered. A pool cover can cut the loss by up to 90%.

Design for savings

A mulch, bark, or rock area at least 8 inches wide adjacent to sidewalks and curbs will help eliminate water waste.

seasonal watering recommendations

Wondering how much you should water your plants during the summer months of June, July and August? Check out the watering recommendations below. To find out how to measure the depth you are watering click here.

service your irrigation system

How to Avoid Water Waste

Check your irrigation system at least once per month and repair leaks ASAP.
A broken sprinkler can waste as much as 16 gallons of water per minute. If left unrepaired, that’s thousands of gallons per month – the same as running your dishwasher 333 times!
Don’t let your irrigation system water streets, driveways, and sidewalks.
Don’t water when it rains! An automatic rain sensor can shut down your sprinkler system for you. Learn more about an automatic rain sensor.
Irrigate only when your plants need it. Use a long screwdriver or soil probe to check soil moisture. Depending on the type of plant – roots can be 12” to 24” deep.

How long does it take to deliver 10 gallons of water?

2 minutes with a hose
10 minutes with a 1 gallon/min bubbler (GPM)
10 hours with a 1 gallon/hour emitter (GPH)

When should I water and at what time of day?

Schedule your watering times. Keeping a watering routine is not just important for conserving water but it’s critical in training your plants to thrive.
Water between 7:00 pm and 11:00 am when temperatures are cooler and wind speeds lower.
Adjust your watering schedule as the season changes; to ensure your landscape is not getting too much or too little water.